Huddersfield-based West Yorkshire Hawks won their opening home game with a dominant 87-52 performance against Team Sunderland in the second round of the National Cup.
The opening quarter at the Hawks Nest at the University of Huddersfield was a tightly contested affair, with Sunderland matching the Hawks stride for stride.
However, the Hawks found a rhythm late in the period, edging out to a 21-14 lead by the end of the first period.
The second quarter saw both teams lock in defensively, with a slower pace but intense effort on display. The Hawks maintained control, leading 39-28 at half-time.
After the break, the Hawks ramped up the intensity and stretched their lead to 17 points by the end of the third quarter. Sunderland battled hard, but the Hawks’ ability to dictate the pace kept them in control. The final period was where the Hawks truly hit their stride, amassing 28 points to seal victory.
Afterwards head coach Danny Byrne was full of praise for both teams and said: “Credit to Sunderland, they came in with a solid game plan and dictated the first half.
“But our guys responded well, controlled the tempo in the second half, and that was key to today’s win. The energy at the Hawks Nest was incredible. The fans were fantastic.”
Rob Donaldson led the scoring charge for the Hawks with 22 points, while Chris Sibbett and Chris Jackman added 17 apiece. Charles Andrews scored 10 points.
Next up for the Hawks is a return to league action on Saturday (October 12) against Manchester Swarm at the Hawks Nest at the University of Huddersfield, with tip-off at 6.30pm.
Tickets are available at https://tktp.as/EZWFVD, and fans can use the code HAWKS25 for 25% off.
